For many an artist, creativity is in the genes. Photographer Robert Downs is a compelling example of just that. His creativity springs from both sides of the parental well. Downs' mother was a graphic artist and father a photojournalist for more than forty years with the Atlanta Journal and Constitution which is where they met.

"I used to beg my father to take me to work with him on the weekends," Robert remembers. "My job would be to carry all the staff photographer's cameras to the football field and pick up film at half-time. My reward was I got to use a camera and dump my film in with the rest of the guys. Whether it was or cruel joke, or just fate, my shots started showing up in the paper. I was 13 when I scored the front page of the sports section. It was then I knew that I wanted to be a photographer."

Over the past 17 years, Robert Downs has sustained that dream making a living combining art and commerce with clients ranging from the Los Angeles Times and Sony Pictures to Kaman Music, Sennheiser Microphones and Dean Guitars. His work has been featured extensively on covers and editorial spreads for for AP, DRUM! and RHYTHEM magazines, plus a host of the world's top drum companies such as Pearl, Gretsch, Tama, Bosphorus and Zildjian. He's also photographed some of the top musicians and bands on the charts including Incubus, Stone Temple Pilots, Deftones, Public Enemy, Slipknot, MUSE, The Cult, and many more.

Photography inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2013.